Importance of Art for Kids

Kids playing and using their imagination is the first important step,  to learn critical thinking, problem-solving, and develop social, emotional and physical skills, such as fine and gross motor skills. Playing and doing art should be a part of a child's day, a key to opening up a child's mind.
 
When my oldest child went to preschool, he enjoyed free play, a lot of kids to interact with, and there were some Inuit toys, like a sled, tent, little animals.  They would make toy guns and play hunting, a few months of doing it, he was saying a few more words in Inuinnaqtun.  When he did his drawing, he would let the teacher write the story, made me proud when his art is related to my culture.

He is 9 years old, almost ten.  I find him more interested and willing to learn our culture and language, than I did when I was that age.  He is so proud of himself, so happy, with myself I was scared, more scared of making mistakes.

I would like to thank the educators in Aboriginal Headstart for the difference they are making in many children's lives.  A lot of young parents speak little or less of our Inuinnaqtun language. At the preschool they learn demands and responses, sing songs in our language.

The following clip clearly demonstrates and explains the difference early educators can make.

Should the Preschool and Day Care Centres be joined together?

There will be a lot of people with and againts this topic.  I don't think that they should, because the more advanced students will be not be challenged, for some it will slow them down.  There will be less jobs. 
A lot of parents debate wether to take their child to Preschool or Daycare, will we have no choice? Here is a list of pros and cons of both centres at: http://www.essortment.com/all/daycareprescho_rkks.htm

Early Childhood Education

I chose to blog on Early Childhood Education because I want to learn more on this topic.
The first blog that I read was from Topics in Early Childhood Education at http://www.eceducation.blogspot.com/This. blog has topics on managment, fine motor skills, creative thinking skills, technology use with early childhood education. Linls lead us to NAEYC. Focuses on the quality of education and developmental setvices for children from birth to age 8. Art and creativity in early childhood educartion tells us importance of art for childrens brain development. They have lesson plans, handouts and ideas.
The second blog that I read was Early Childhood Education at http://www.reginaldwilliams.blogspot.com/
This blog has topics, debates, opinions, announcements and information for early childhood education. Theres a news video about kindergarten education expectations
The third blog that I read on was a lady in studies for a Diploma in Early Childhood Education at http://www.irenelaw.net. All posts are categorized like announcements, foundation & Development of Young Children, Health & Safety, Planning & Organizing, Playing & Learning. There is good notes to read, comments, questions and answers, and encouragment.
The fourth blog that I read was Early Childhood Brain Insights at http://braininsghts.blogspot.com/
It has information on the brain development in the early years. There is alot of facts on the childs brain, videos, and useful topics to use. This blog is by Deborah McNelis a creator/owner of Brain Insights, a presentor and a brain specialist.
From reading all these blogs, I found that they are really focusing on brain development. There is so much useful information.